Evaluation //
At the Pain Management Institute, a thorough evaluation by our expert physicians sets us apart from other clinics. Please look over some of the pain conditions that we commonly treat. For many of our ptients, their pain is not always clearly defined. If your condition is not listed below, don't be disheartened but contact us for an evaluation. (Click on conditions highlighted in green to watch the video from the Washington University in St.Louis Medical Center)
Lumbar Radiculopathy (Sciatica)
Cervical Radiculopathy
Spondylolisthesis
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative Joint Disease
Facet Joint Syndrome
Fibromyalgia
Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Peripheral Neuralgia
Phantom Limb Pain
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
YOUR FIRST VISIT CHECK LIST
First Office Visit for CONSULTATION
What you need to BRING:
1. The following form filled out: PMI New Patient Packet
2. Insurance card
3. A referral note from your physician if you have one. (Many of our patients are referred by friends or family members. Depending on your insurance, you may not need a referral note from a physian.)
4. Relevant medical records from your doctors: primary care, neurologist, neurosurgeon, or orthopedic surgeon. (You can request that these records be sent to our office from your doctors' office.)
5. Your current pain medications if you are taking them. (Please bring the prescribed bottles even if they are empty.)
6. List of other medications and dosages.
7. CD of the MRI or X-ray study and the reports of the results. (You can request that these records be sent to our office from the imaging center)
8. Other reports like CT scans, EMG studies, lab results that you believe is pertinent to your pain condition.
First Procedure Visit for INJECTION- Please note that ALL procedures in the Bethesda location is performed at Capitol Surgical Center located in Suite 110 at our Bethesda location.
What you need to BRING:
1. The following form filled out: PMI New Patient Packet
2. Insurance card
3. A referral or prescription note from your physician if you have one.
5. Your current medications and allergies.
6. CD of the MRI or X-ray study and the reports of the results. (You can request that these records be sent to our office from the imaging center)
7. Other reports like CT scans, EMG studies, lab results that you believe is pertinent to your pain condition.
8. If required by your insurance or claim carrier, it is your responsiblility to ensure that an active referral or approval is on file prior to the date of your procedure.
General Instructions for patients before a procedure
1. Make arrangements for a ride home.
2. Wear loose-fitting and comfortable clothing for the procedure. (Preferrably without belt or any metal that may interfere with x-ray.)
3. In the preceding 24 hours, drink plenty of water
4. Stop eating 4 hours before the procedure. If you suffer from diabetes, bring your medication and a snack, if necessary.
5. Take all your medications up to the time of the procedure except for blood thinners, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications ONLY IF your prescribing physician is agreeable. ASK the prescribing doctor if you can stop these medications. We have listed the general recommendation below as a guide. Please consult your prescribing physician for how to stop and restart your blood thinner.
Stop all NSAIDs (anti-inflammatory like Ibuprofen/Advil) 1 day before your procedure.
Stop Aspirin 7 days before your procedure.
Stop Effient 7 days prior to the procedure.
Stop Lovenox 24 hours prior to the procedure.
Stop Pradaxa 72 hours prior to the procedure.
Stop Eliquis 48 hours prior to the procedure.
Stop Xarelto 48 hours prior to the procedure.
Stop Coumadin 5 days before and get INR. You will need permission and instructions from the physician who prescribed your Coumadin before stopping it. Before the injection, you need an INR blood test.
For Spinal Cord Stimulator trial, we recommend stopping aspirin for 7 days. If a physician has recommended aspirin to you, please consult that physician before stopping.
If you are requesting IV sedation, you must be seen as an office visit consultation first:
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You also must have a driver
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Do not eat anything 6 hours prior to your scheduled procedure time.
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You may drink clear liquids up to 2 hrs prior to your scheduled procedure time.